Kaiser survives Waialua

What Cal Tashiro wasn't able to do on offense he made up for on defense.

Tashiro intercepted a pass on Waialua's last drive and Kaiser was able to run out the clock as the host Cougars kept their playoff hopes alive with a 3-0 victory over the Bulldogs last night in an Oahu Interscholastic Association White division game.

Kyle Niiro booted a 45-yard field goal for the game's only score as Kaiser (2-3, 2-2) recorded its second consecutive shutout victory.

"We lost 29 seniors from a year ago, and these younger guys are maturing now," Kaiser coach Pat Samsonas said. "They are starting to believe in themselves."

Kaiser has beaten Waialua (2-4, 1-4) in five of their last seven meetings.

The Cougars accounted for just 153 yards of offense. Tashiro managed only 80 yards passing and threw two first-half interceptions.

"It was all individual mistakes on my part," Tashiro said. "The defense played well and my line played great. We just couldn't punch it in."

Waialua's Donovan Matas rushed for 82 yards on 15 carries, but lined up at quarterback after the first quarter. Starter Shayne Peiler completed only two of six passes for 11 yards before giving way to Matas.

"With (Donovan) back there he has the choice to either throw the ball or run," Waialua coach Lincoln Barit. "The threat of being able to do both is where he is at his strongest."

The Bulldogs never crossed the 50-yard line in the opening half, as Kaiser held them to only two first downs.

The Cougars offense couldn't capitalize until their final drive of the half. Backup quarterback Laakea Awong replaced Tashiro and hit Kalua Noa and Nainoa Kam with key third-down completions for first downs.

The drive stalled at the Waialua 28-yard line, setting up Niiro's 45-yard field goal with 19 seconds remaining.

"Every time we cross the 50, I start getting ready," Niiro said. "I just tried to make sure the ball got up."

Niiro attempted a 51-yarder earlier in the game, but it was blocked.

The Bulldogs got two interceptions from Reggie Carillo -- including one while on his knees -- to help stall Cougars drives in Waialua territory and keep the score close.

Waialua was pinned at its own 9-yard line with 6 minutes remaining, but Matas scrambled for a 26-yard gain to move the chains. Back-to-back completions to Justin Lopez and Michael Montgomery pushed the ball into Cougars territory. Facing a third and long, Matas sent a pass behind his receiver right to Tashiro who made the easy interception.

"I was just in the right position," Tashiro said. "He threw the ball right at me."

Roosevelt 21, Anuenue 7

Ranson Tuitama ran for 97 yards and a touchdown to lead the Rough Riders over visiting Na Koa.

Lowen Furuta-Harada opened the third quarter with a 7-yard touchdown run and Zach Hamasaki sealed the game for the Rough Riders with a 60-yard interception return to the end zone.

Waipahu 49, Pearl City 26

The Marauders, led by Troy Palimoo's 191 rushing yards and two TDs, beat the Chargers despite allowing 301 yards of total offense.